The Cape Care Fund: Creating Lasting Impact Across the Western Cape

The Cape Care Fund provides a trusted way for individuals to support meaningful social impact projects across the Western Cape by connecting donors with credible, vetted non-profit organisations working to uplift communities.

Visitors to the Western Cape often fall in love with its landscapes, culture and people. Many also want to leave a meaningful mark during their stay, in the same way the Cape leaves one on their hearts.

The Cape Care Fund makes this possible by supporting organisations that are creating opportunities, improving lives and strengthening communities throughout the province.

Building Resilient Communities

“There are many organisations doing incredible work to change lives and uplift communities, yet many of them are struggling. Through the Cape Care Fund, we want to build the resilience and sustainability of these NPOs,” says Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt.

The initiative is administered by The Health Foundation of South Africa, which has a proven track record in managing donor funding. It is supported by the Western Cape Department of Social Development, which works with organisations and projects that meet industry standards and demonstrate sound governance and financial management.

A wide range of initiatives are available for support, allowing donors to contribute directly to projects that are making a tangible difference across the province. Donors also receive a Section 18A tax certificate for qualifying contributions.

Making Play Accessible for All

One of the initiatives seeking support is the installation of wheelchair-accessible playgrounds for children with disabilities.

For many children who use wheelchairs, simple experiences such as swinging through the air or enjoying a merry-go-round have often been inaccessible. Instead, they have watched from the sidelines as other children played.

Accessible playgrounds help change that, creating opportunities for inclusion, confidence and connection.

Hein Kruger, manager of the Sunrise Special Care Centre in Cape Town, recently oversaw the installation of an accessible play park and highlighted the need for more facilities of this kind.

“The impact has been truly heart-warming. The children have become more confident, socially active, and expressive. Physically, the movement and stimulation help improve their coordination and muscle strength. Playtime has become a highlight of their day, encouraging laughter, engagement, and connection among the children,” says Kruger.

Creating Opportunities Through Skills Development

Among the projects the Cape Care Fund aims to expand are the skills training programmes offered through Community Nutrition and Development Centres, including those run by the Yizani Sakhe Organisation in Gugulethu.

The organisation provides baking and cooking courses to beneficiaries of its feeding scheme, equipping participants with practical skills that can lead to employment and entrepreneurship.

Trevor Maneli was once unemployed and reliant on daily meals provided through the programme. After completing the training, he started his own business and now wakes up before dawn each day to bake and sell his products.

“I got the right opportunity when I needed it the most. To go from receiving food, to being able to put food on the table for my family … it’s huge. My life has changed a lot. Now it’s more purposeful,” says Maneli.

Leaving a Meaningful Legacy

Whether supporting accessible recreation for children with disabilities or programmes that help individuals build sustainable livelihoods, the Cape Care Fund enables donors to contribute to projects that create lasting impact across the Western Cape.

For more information about the initiatives supported by the fund, visit the Cape Care Fund.

This article has been adapted from the original piece published in This is Cape Town Magazine, Volume 6, specifically for the blog. To view the original article, click here or read the full magazine online at This is Cape Town Magazine Volume 6.